Running is neither an easy nor a fast beginner's way to get fit or healthy

As a trainer I am always happy when people want to get healthy and start moving. But I often cringe when I hear people say things like: "I took up running now to loose some weight and get a bit fitter/ healthier."

Only because it's easy to get into running does not mean running is easily done. For people who want to get back into physical activity the growing popularity and apparent simplicity of running is tempting. Just put those shoes on and knock yourself out in the park or on Bowen Road.

Yes, true: Running is a low entry threshold sport. You do not need much gear at the beginning to start running. Only a pair of proper shoes really. In this case low entry threshold sport is mistaken with low requirement sport. To do well at running there are a base pre-requisites you need to fulfil.

Yet many people literally start running before they can walk. Only because they have been bi-pedal most of their life does not mean that their bodies are balanced, resilient and flexible enough to subject themselves to the impact of running.

Be aware that you need to get prepared against the stress of volume and bio-mechanics of that sport. Most people view running as a simple procedure of putting one leg in front of the other. Truly it is a collaboration between balance, mobility, coordination, endurance and strength. If one of that is missing you are bound for injury.

But some might reply that they do not want to be good at running. They only want to do something to help them loose weight, become healthier and fitter. Well Darling, then be assured that there are more efficient and safer ways to do so.

"You Can’t Run to Get Fit, You Need to Be Fit to Run." Dianne Lee, Physiotherapist.

Now, this seems a bit harsh but I believe that the only true goal of running as a sport is partaking in races. That is the simple drive why runners keep fit to run. Without races running would be far less popular, not to say quite boring.

There is the common misunderstanding that being fit and being healthy is the same thing. Strength coach Dan John put it best when he wrote in his book Intervention:

“Health is the optimal interplay of the organs [...] So, isn't that fitness? No. Fitness is simply the ability to do a task."

Good running intentions therefore are:1. You started running because you enjoy it AND 2. You keep running because you want to get better at it.

As for any sport, you start by building up the necessary base fitness through balanced training including elements such as mobility, strength and speed work. And unless you are a professional runner, meaning you earn your living by winning races, try to not emphasize on fitness too much but rather try finding that sweet spot between fitness and health.

Once the goal is clearly defined the idea of the required level of base fitness becomes clearer, too. The gist is: If you are running to be able take part in a race, you might want to get rid of a few pounds to become faster, keep running and also keep working on your strength and mobility.

And if you are running just to get rid off a few pounds.... well, stop it and focus on the basics by watching your diet and working on your strength and mobility first. We established for you it's not a race. It's a journey.